Back in the Saddle

I saw the expanded 72-minute version, which includes a lot of songs, some of which probably got elided in the 60-minute edition. Anyway, it's a typically good Republic production with Gene. The action picks up in the latter half after a slower first part. The plot is surprisingly topical. A copper mine is dumping chemical wastes into stream water the ranchers use, poisoning the cattle. Gene wants to work out a deal whereby a new, safe disposal method is used. But some baddies have different ideas. On the action side is a big cattle stampede, a well-done barroom brawl, along with the usual hard riding and fast shooting. Frog's got some comedy relief, but also plays a more serious role with guns and fists. Also, Gene's little duet with a teenage Mary Lee is utterly charming. All in all, it's Gene's usual good pre-war mix of action, comedy, and song. Though I can't comment on the edited 60-minute version.